My friend, Katie, sent me her book report on Ann M. Martin's A Dog's Life. I hope you enjoy it!
The book A Dog’s Life is the story of a stray dog named Squirrel. Her first couple of months are spent in a tool shed with her brother Bone and her mother Stream. (Only known to the pups as Mother) Squirrel is taught to stay away from and out of sight of people at all times. Fortunately for them (and the rest of the animal community) the Merrions don’t come to their house very often, and even then, not for very long. But all that changes when one day they come to stay for the whole summer. Now they have to be even more careful to stay hidden.
As Squirrel gets older, her mother leaves them alone for longer periods of time, but one day she just doesn’t come back. Now, left on their own, the pups try to fend for themselves. It isn’t long before one of the Merrions’ children, Matthias, discovers them. At first they are wary of him and keep their distance, but as time goes by, they begin to befriend him. Squirrel now has a routine of waking up in the morning and getting chicken from Matthias, and a rub under the neck from her cat friend, Yellow Man. Bone on the other hand, gets more and more restless until one night when he decides it is time to leave for good. Bone is her world now that her mother is gone, so Squirrel follows him away from her home and everything she knows.
This book makes me see stray dogs and the way they live in a different way. The author (Ann M. Martin) makes you see the world from a dog’s perspective. I have read this book twice and I have enjoyed it both times.
My friend Jennifer sent me this wonderful book report to share.
Enjoy!
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is one of the most compelling accounts of the Holocaust of World War II. In this diary, Anne Frank shows that although living in a confined space for four years she kept her spirit, faith, and individuality. Through this diary, Anne tells the story that has captivated many people over the years.
One of the main reasons I love this book is how as you read, you see how Anne changes. Her carefree personality shines through in the beginning; and even though this changes over the years, she stays true to who she is. In this diary, Anne allows you to see and feel what she felt during that horrible time. Her frustrations, hopes, and dreams all seem to come alive as you read this breath taking account of Anne’s years in hiding.
In her diary, Anne shows you what life was like in World War II. While set about 62 years ago, Anne makes you feel as if you were there hiding with her. With her you meet the others that will be hiding with her: the Van Daan, also known as the Van Pels, family: Peter, Hermann, and Auguste; and Albert Dussell, also known as Fritz Pfeffer; as well as her family: her elder sister, Margot and her parents, Otto and Edith.
Anne’s tendency to be head-strong causes her to argue with some that are hiding with her, especially Albert Dussel and Mr. Van Daan. Mr. Dussel and Mr. Van Daan both believe their way is right, as does Anne. Through out the book, the three continue to clash, and these often humorous encouters are one of the reasons why you want to keep reading The Diary of a Young Girl.
Anne and the other women in the house don’t get along in the beginning of her diary. As you read the book, however, you see how Anne’s relationship with her sister grows, along with the relationship with her mother. Half way through the book, Anne’s relationship with her mother crumbles, and she leans more towards Mrs. Van Daan. Throughout this diary you see how she changes her opinion on most people in the ‘secret annex’ as Anne calls their hiding place.
Anne’s relationship with her father and Peter are very different from her other relationships. Her relationship with her father is very close. Anne’s nickname for him is Pim, and she looks to him for guidance during the years in hiding. Anne’s relationship with Peter is also unique; in the beginning, she despises him, but throughout the diary this changes, until a very shocking event.
In her diary, also known as ‘Kitty’, you will see the true horrors of World War II, and how Anne wasn’t that different from girls today. Although the diary is very detailed, this is one of the best books I’ve read about World War II.
All throughout her diary, Anne keeps you in suspense for the next funny moment, or the next horrible fright. At the end of her diary you will learn what really happened to Anne Frank at the end of the war, and why this story will never be forgotten. To find out what happened to Anne you’ll have to read The Diary of a Young Girl.
Check out this great book report from my friend Caitlin!
It makes me want to go to the library and get my webbed feet on this book!
One of Sherlock Holmes greatest adventures is the book The Hound of the Baskervilles , by Arthur Conan Doyle. It is considered to be one of the greatest detective mysteries of all time. Full of suspense, death, and hidden feelings it will captivate your imagination.
The story is set in England during the late 1800's . Most of the book takes place in a gloomy village, where the great Baskerville Hall is located by a strange dark moor. The weather is usually dull and gloomy. I think the area sets the mood for the mystery perfectly because it causes you to wonder if anything happy could occur in that kind of atmosphere.
So, it already builds you up to disastrous happenings and odd people.
I was surprised that the main character is not the legendary Sherlock Holmes but rather his faithful assistant Dr. Watson. Watson is smart, loyal, and brave even though he dosen’t think so. During the book, Watson learns that he can accomplish things without Holmes and that he isn’t as timid as he had first thought. I think the reason he changes is because he knows that he has things to do and that he has to push aside his fears. If I could meet Dr. Watson I would because I think it would be interesting to find out what drove him to conquer his fears and how he defeated them.
Some of the other characters include Sherlock Holmes, the witty and suspicious detective; the proud but feeble Sir Henry, heir of Baskerville Hall; the odd Dr. Mortimer; the Barrymore couple shrouded with misery and mystery, and finally the moody naturalist named Stapleton and his sister Ms. Stapleton who is beautiful yet grim. Even though deceased, Sir Charles Baskerville is of great importance. A feeble, superstitious, elderly man, his mysterious death has caused much confusion.
In the beginning, you meet Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in London on Baker Street puzzling over a new case. You see, there is a legend concerning the powerful old family, the Baskervilles, that says every male Baskerville will be haunted by a huge, black, fire breathing hound until he dies... usually at the hands of the demon dog. The last of the family, Sir Charles, died a sudden death at Baskerville Hall and it is unsure if it is safe to bring Sir Henry Baskerville to the Hall. After meeting Sir Henry, Holmes decides that it would be safe for the heir to go to Baskerville Hall as long as someone would accompany him there and stay with him at all times until the mystery is solved. Sherlock suggests Watson.
Later Holmes explains to Watson why this is the best choice. For Watson could send constant reports to Holmes about the case and he would be protecting Sir Henry at the same time. However, the great detective admits to being uneasy about the state of things. "It’s an ugly business, Watson, an ugly, dangerous business, and the more I see of it the less I like it. Yes, my dear fellow, I shall be very glad to have you back safe and sound in Baker Street once more."
Once at the Hall Watson starts amassing clues and sends a detailed report back to Holmes in London almost every day. The good Doctor wishes to learn more to please the great detective but he can’t leave Sir Henry’s side for safety’s sake.
The villagers begin to see a wild black hound out on the moor and it’s howl can be heard deep within. As time passes and these strange happenings increase Sir Henry becomes delusional seeing a demon dog in his dreams and wakes hearing a hound’s bark ringing in his ears.
As the end draws near that which was suspicious is proved harmless, and those thought innocent change to being murderous. Blood is spilled, nerves are shot, and through it all justice tries to prevail. To find out what happens you’ll have to read the book yourself.
At first the plot seems very confusing but as you read more things become clearer. In the end, all is revealed, but the book prompts you to make your own conclusions. I think that’s one of the main reasons I enjoyed reading it so much because it was like you were helping Watson solve the case. It is like solving a puzzle because you still have to make some of your own judgements to understand the plot. The fact that the book has action, suspense, and realistic characters also makes it a fascinating classic.
Some things I thought were interesting about the book are that it was written with diary entries, letters, and conversations between the characters. Also, The Hound of the Baskervilles was originally a weekly serial in the Strand Magazine in 1901 and was made into a book 8 months later.
Alabaster Doves is a non-fiction book by Linda Holland. It is full of true stories about real women whose lives were lead by their God-given strength and gentleness. In this book you will meet eight heroines who died to self every day of their lives. These women wholly knew how to be godly women. They were not perfect, these women of the past, but they are great heroines for both women and girls.
The Civil war officially started in 1861 and did not end until 1865. During that period of time, thousands of Yankee boys died dying before even tasting battle because of the lack of food, disease, unsanitary situations, and bad weather. Mary Ann Bickerdyke (1817- 1901) was know as “Mother” to soldier boys in the North because of her daring and unselfish care for them during their time of crisis.
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875)-(1955) rose up out of her poverty and received an education through hard work. After graduating from her local black school and two Christian colleges, she provided educational opportunities for black girls in the South, even while being threatened by the Ku Klux Klan.
After only just recently receiving Jesus Christ as her Savior, young mother, Vibia Perpetua (181)- (203), died a martyr’s death in a North African arena, and set an example that would one day lead thousands of people all over the world to Jesus Christ.
Even in the U.S. Donaldina Cameron (1869)-(1968) bravely rescued over 3,000 children from the Chinese Slave Market in Chinatown, San Francisco.
After she married, Mary Smith Moffat (1795)-(1870) and her husband moved to South Africa to be missionaries. Mary worked hard to support her husband buy giving him a home, taking care of her many children, and loving the “worthless” local children, and earning the respect from the natives.
The daughter of Mary Smith Moffat, Mary Moffat Livingstone (1820)-(1862) married a man whose one life goal was to clear a road that would lead to more missions in Africa. Mary Moffat died to self everyday of her life, sacrificing everything, even her and her children’s health so that her husband could reach his goal.
The saying goes; “behind every great man is a woman.” The woman behind Martin Luther was Katherine von Bora Luther (1499)-(1552). After escaping from a convent, she married Martin Luther. She spent the rest of her life serving her husband and children without the presence of self.
One of Normagene Pool Lovo (1924)-(1985) daughters was Linda Lovo Holland: the author of this remarkable book. Normagene left her children an image of what it looks like to pursue God with all of your heart.
We hope that you are participating in our summer reading program! It's going to be a lot of fun. Here on our blog, we'll be posting weekly topics for you to think about and answer. We'll be giving away some great books throughout the summer. Please add us to your friends list and check back often.
